Resume

Dominic Matthew Knipfing
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
dknipfing@gmail.com

Strengths
Talented at learning new information and skills quickly.  Strong at organizing teams of people into efficient operating systems. Thrilled to receive new and challenging jobs and committed to completing tasks in an accurate and timely manner.

Education

University at Albany,  Albany, NY
Graduated cum laude with a 3.43 overall GPA
Double Major:  BA Psychology, BA World History

Activities
Army ROTC (active 2 semesters) Junior Rangers (active 1 semester)
Tau Kappa Epsilon Social Fraternity (active 4 semesters, Pledge Master 1 semester)
The Earth Tones A founding member of Albany’s premier all male a’ccapella group (active 6 semesters)
Albany’s Natural Food Coop (active member and volunteer 5 semesters) (taught vegetarian cooking classes to members)

Leadership/Management/Trainer/Technical Experience

Furbish Company Sustainable Builder
Team Leader/Installer/Site Manager
Summer 2007-Present

Developed, with a novice team to the industry, effective and efficient ways to install Living “Green” Roof Systems, and Living “Green” Modular Retaining Walls.

Strengthened and energized our team with dedicated work, on the job ideas and solutions, and keen observation and attention.  Produced functional and efficient ways to install our product systems.

Initiated the company’s first Team Leader and Project Manager meetings in order to grow and learn from each job, exchange ideas, discuss obstacles, and better prepare ourselves for the next project.

Heathcote Community  Straw bale House Project
Project Manager/Trainer/Supervisor/Skilled Craftsman
Spring 2006-Summer 2007

Supervised and trained volunteer interns for 16 months as we erected exterior lime plaster walls and earthen plaster interior walls on a 3000 square foot residential straw bale house.

Researched and self-taught plastering techniques and skills for on the job mastery.  Developed and wrote the interns training manual.

Managed the entire plastering project by creating schedules, setting milestones, motivating our crew to keep pace with our projected end date, purchased materials, tools, necessary safety equipment, and serviced machinery.  Coordinated operations with other trades on site.  Created a harmonious work environment and a successful project.

Supervisory/Counseling/Teaching/Directing

Heathcote Community Internship Program
Intern Supervisor
Spring 2006-Winter 2007

Co-managed and customized a volunteer internship program, and organized educational classes about community living.  Revitalized the interns stay through community movie nights and dinners.

Practiced conflict management solutions through monitoring problematic relationships between interns, and between interns and community members; personally counseled many interns through relational difficulties during their stay.

Creative Health Institute
Co-Director
Summer 2002-Summer 2003

Taught and designed classes given to our clients during their two week schooling.  Counseled and motivated our customers during their cleansing and training process.

Revitalized The Creative Health Institutes’s public opinion through a promotion campaign at the local library, health food stores, and other businesses.

Created, organized, and managed a series of workshops held at CHI in order to open the program to people who could not commit to the original two week program.

Entrepreneurship/Public Speaking/Culinary Arts

Ravishingly Raw “the passionate side of the living food lifestyle”
Owner
Summer 2003 - Winter 2004

Designed and taught workshops on the Living Foods Lifestyle through interactive and demonstrative public speaking engagements.

Counseled, trained, and customized clients nutritional needs through our living food catering and in home teaching service.

Skills Developed

  • Communication
  • Lime plastering
  • Team work
  • Earthen plastering
  • Time management
  • Straw bale and Cob construction
  • Problem solving
  • Living “Green” roof installation
  • Listening
  • Hercules “Green” modular retaining wall installation
  • Public speaking
  • Landscaping
  • Project Management
  • Laying paver decks/walkways
  • Supervision
  • Rough carpentry
  • Teaching/Training
  • Heavy machinery operation
  • Counseling
  • Rough metal work
  • Leadership
  • Power tool and hand tool operation
  • Decision making
  • Organization
  • Customer service